The Phenomenon of Religion: A Thematic Approach

by Moojan Momen

This is an innovative, thematic presentation of the role of religion in human society, from traditional cultures to the modern world. This comprehensive account covers all the major traditions, features nearly 400 illustrations, and is accompanied by maps, timelines, a glossary, full explanatory notes, and an extensive bibliography.

Genres: Religion, Nonfiction

626 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 1998

Reviews

[S]

One day at dinner, my brother told me he often wondered why it was that of three of us, he was the only one to stay in the same church our parents had raised us it. I knew there was an answer, but I couldn't put it to words.

I didn't finish this book because it is very long and contains surveys of the major religions, including the endlessly tedious philosophical points of them all. But the part in the beginning about what religion is, how it is formed, and the purpose it serves was fascinating. The bit at the end also looks interesting, but in the intervening time* I've just lost interest in the whole subject.

I did, however get an answer to my brother's question and it's more or less what I thought it would be. It is a little bit insulting to us both and so I don't think I'll mention it to him unless he asks again, but I'm sold on it. So, I'd say the time spent with this book was worth it.

The writer is Bahá’í and therefore includes Bahá’í among the major religions. He is a man of faith with what seems to me a genuine interest in the subject on an intellectual level. I don't recall him being terribly critical of religion either. So, if you can stomach the notion that other people's faiths are just as worthy of study as your own, I think you might enjoy this book.



* 2016 - 2017 my dudes. A time of political dumpster fires just everywhere.

[Rafael Reyes III]

Underrated text